Have you ever experienced that mix of excitement and nerves in your stomach as you step into the unknown? Well, getting into university as an international student is a perfect example of that feeling. A new environment, a new system, and new people await you, as well as a new country. But getting ready for this adventure includes many steps before and after you set foot in Canada. As an international student myself, here are a few things I have done to prepare for this exciting experience before flying to Abbotsford and continuing my education journey at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).
Like any other new experience, you need to research and familiarize yourself with the university and its surroundings. My first step was to follow the Instagram accounts of any department associated with UFV that was relevant to me. For instance, I followed the student housing Instagram account (@ufvhousing) and discovered a wealth of information that turned out to be essential for me as a new arrival. One of their posts detailed the various items that are recommended to bring and others that are prohibited in housing. This post alone circumvented many potential problems, especially because I had strict luggage weight limits.
Having a support system before arriving in Canada could be immensely helpful. Since I do not have family members or friends who live in the country, I made a successful attempt to create my family away from home, thanks to social media. Again, going over the account of @ufvhousing, I came across a post that introduced the new Community Assistants (CAs) of the semester. CAs are students who serve the housing community in many ways and provide assistance to residents whenever needed. Through this post, I connected to a CA who shares my culture and native language and we became online friends months before my flight! This connection significantly eased my transition; I managed to have a familiar face to welcome me in the country and help me whenever a question mark was raised.
Another great tip is to make sure you attend as many orientation activities as possible during the first few weeks at UFV. These events are designed for you to build connections, ask questions, and get familiar with your new environment. UFV welcomes people from all over the world every semester, so don’t be shy about starting genuine conversations with those around you. In fact, building connections in an international setting is often easier; a question as simple as “Where are you from?” can spark interesting conversations. Enjoy learning about others’ cultures, but be ready for cultural differences; what might seem unusual in your culture could be the norm in another. Embracing these differences enriches your experience and helps you appreciate the diversity around you.
To avoid any first day panic, make sure to know where your classrooms are. Once your schedule is confirmed, retrieve it from your student account and try to take a quick tour around campus a few days before classes begin. Familiarize yourself with the UFV campus map and ensure you know the location of every building you’ll be attending classes in. On your first days in class, it is a great idea to arrive twenty minutes early, just in case. Bonus tip: to avoid any embarrassing stomach growls — something no one warned me about — remember to carry a snack you can quickly grab between classes.
As an international student, your first semester at UFV might feel overwhelming, exciting, and enlightening, all at once. While your primary goal is to pass your classes with the highest grades possible, do your best to enjoy this experience to the fullest. Try new foods, explore new places, volunteer with the university’s clubs, and keep on discovering your potential. In other words, university is a lot more than just classes and exams; so, get ready as one of the most exciting journeys of your life is about to begin!
Chifaa Bouzid is a staff writer for the Cascade, currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in International Business at UFV. She holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has a keen interest in writing and social media management, blending her technical skills with creative storytelling.
